Fast games, otherwise known as crash games, have enjoyed an extraordinary boom in popularity in the last few years. Beginning in cryptocurrency circles, fast games are now commonplace on online casino platforms globally and are rapidly becoming one of the most popular game types among players.
One such company that is placing fast games at the pillar of its offering is Galaxsys, an online casino game developer serving operators and aggregators in regulated markets across Europe.
Galaxsys is comprised of over 70 staff most of which are self-confessed players of games enthused enough by the industry to develop games themselves.
Speaking exclusively with CasinoBeats ahead of ICE London 2024, Galaxsys CEO Hayk Sargsyan outlines why the simplicity of fast games has caused their popularity to rise so much, what makes an enthralling fast game title and how best to market such games.
CasinoBeats: When fast games first began to make inroads with major igaming and sportsbook operators, it was not clear whether or not they would be just a short-lived fad. They have gone on to become established as a key product for operators – why do you believe that has happened?
Hayk Sargsyan: Fast games have been popular for a long time in the crypto landscape and, in recent years, they’ve gained increased prominence in casino lobbies.
The attraction of fast games lies in their simplicity. They appeal as they are simpler from a UX standpoint and have fewer aspects to learn how to play. The player can simply start the session and enjoy the experience. It is the simplicity and streamlined experience that appeals to today’s online casino players and we shall see that trend continue.
CB: One of the things that makes fast games so attractive to players is their simplicity. How can developers ensure the continued evolution of fast games and produce exciting new titles, while maintaining that simplicity?
HS: I can only really talk from Galaxsys’ perspective, and we currently have over 30 games available via a single integration. Our team of over 70 members has significant experience in games design and maths modelling, but we also put the players first and indeed are players ourselves.
It is these 360-degree holistic player approaches that allow us, when storyboarding a game prototype, to keep game interactions and thus player endpoint decisions to a minimum – which is harder than you think to simplify processes and flows.
Likewise, we use focus groups and even live games to provide data to unlock preferences. We listen to player and partner feedback in order to improve and make further refinements to the game flow, if required.
CB: As the games are easy to understand and quick to play, they are ideal for video-based social media platforms. How can operators leverage the popularity of fast games on platforms such as TikTok to drive acquisition and retention?
HS: Brand endorsements or, as it is now referred to, influencer or recommendation marketing is part of the digital marketing mix.
Certainly, channels such as TikTok provide an audience platform to educate prospective players on a game format by watching what the influencer is doing just in the same way Twitch helped many esports game franchises crossover into the mainstream psyche.
Ultimately it is the operators’ decision as to how to use these channels. One of our games, Ninja Crash, became very popular on social media, resulting in operators asking for this game. So social media can help both the operators and the games developer/studio increase the awareness of their game portfolios, if used correctly and responsibly.
CB: Things have moved quickly for Galaxsys since its launch. Where have you seen the strongest growth (in terms of geographic markets and types of operator)?
HS: We have been delighted with our growth in a short space of time. We now have more than 150 partners which include tier one operators and aggregators. We continue to see pipeline demand across the board, with continental Europe and Latin American are certainly the growth markets.
CB: What were some of the highlights of a successful 2023 for your team?
HS: In 2023, we successfully launched over 15 games, including the standout game Ninja Crash, which is quickly spreading in all parts of the world via our trusted partners. On the licensing front, we have achieved licences and certificates in Malta, Portugal, Switzerland, Greece, Colombia, Romania and Serbia, with Italy, the Czech Republic, and Spain coming soon.
Our recent awards include the Fast/Crash Game Supplier of the Year Award at the 5 Star iGaming Starlet Awards and the Best Fast Game of the Year at the Romanian Gambling Industry Grand Awards 2023 for our Ninja Crash game.
CB: What can people who visit the Galaxsys booth at ICE look forward to seeing?
HS: Visitors and guests are most welcome to our stand N6-110. Last year we launched over 15 games, including the runaway success and ‘Too Sweet to Handle’, Ninja Crash. We have a further five crash games Crash, Rocketon, Cash Show, and Crasher, and our newest game, Maestro, shall be showcased at the ICE London Show.
We have a diverse games portfolio of instant, crash, mines, and skill games. Seamless integration, in-house promo tools, flexible game customisation, including branded games, and the ability to support 170+ currencies. Our team offers dedicated account management support to help the casino brand maximise our games portfolio, so yes, we have something for every operator – come and visit us today.
